Liga MX has already prepared the semifinals of the 2026 Clausura that promise excitement, unfinished business and historic rivalries in the Liguilla of Mexican soccer. The clashes between Pumas and Pachuca, as well as Cruz Azul vs. Chivas, are memorable encounters that still remain in the memory of millions of fans, including Hispanics who follow the tournament from the United States.
The final phase of the Mexican championship has left dramatic series between these clubs, several of them marked by historic goals, refereeing controversies and painful eliminations that continue to fuel the rivalry.
Pumas and Pachuca meet again
The duel between Pumas and Pachuca revives an evenly balanced rivalry in short tournaments.
Both institutions have faced each other in four direct elimination series and each team has advanced twice.
However, one of the most important memories for university fans occurred in the 2009 Clausura.
Pumas won the championship after beating Pachuca in the final.
That series began in Ciudad Universitaria with a 1-0 win for the Auriazul thanks to a goal by Dante López.
In the second leg, played at the Hidalgo Stadium, the Tuzos reacted with a brace from Christian “Chaco” Giménez.
And they took the game into overtime.
Despite the local pressure, Pumas managed to win with goals from Dante López and Pablo Barrera to seal the title with a 3-2 aggregate score and win the sixth star in its history.
Now, in the Clausura 2026, the two clubs will meet again in a series that promises to be intense.
Especially due to the good footballing moment they have shown during the season (Filed as: Liga MX 2026 semifinals).
Unfinished business and historic rivalries
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Cruz Azul and Chivas rekindle a drama-filled rivalry
The other semifinal pits Cruz Azul against Chivas.
Two of the most popular teams in Mexico and with a huge following among the Hispanic community in the United States.
In short tournaments, the two clubs have met in three Liguilla series.
La Máquina advanced twice, while Guadalajara managed to win once.
The first previous match occurred in Summer 1999, when Cruz Azul eliminated Chivas after winning 2-1 in Guadalajara and drawing 2-2 in the second leg.
Years later came one of the most memorable playoffs for the red and white fans.
In the 2006 Apertura, Chivas defeated Cruz Azul 4-2 on aggregate in the quarterfinals and went on to win the league championship.
The most recent history between the two clubs occurred in the Apertura 2025.
Cruz Azul managed to advance after a scoreless draw in the first leg and a 3-2 win in the second leg in a match full of offensive tension and drama until the final minutes.
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